Barnes in Common

the magazine of Churches Together in Barnes
May/June 2008

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West London Churches Homeless Concern Appeal

by Roger Hutchings

At the Methodist Church in Station Road, we’ve hosted this Project on Saturday nights for two seasons now. Every night between late October and March the Project moves between various churches in West London. It provides overnight food and accommodation for 35 guests, both men and women. The guests, who must have previously registered at the Project’s office, arrive in the early evening. They’re given an evening meal and they sleep on bed-mats on the floor. Following a very early cooked breakfast, they leave at about 7am. We’re responsible for local costs such as heat, light, and cleaning materials and we’re grateful that the Barnes Workhouse Trust has helped with a contribution towards these local costs.

Volunteers from various churches (including Barnes Methodist!) come to assist with welcoming the guests and preparing the evening meal, and two paid staff stay overnight and prepare breakfast early in the morning. Equipment such as bed-mats and cooking utensils is ferried from church to church in a van.

It can feel a bit daunting when you first encounter those who turn up to spend the night with us. Some have little English, and communication is difficult. Some are a bit suspicious of all ‘authority’. But most, in the end, are human beings in need who, when they relax, are entirely friendly and express their profuse thanks for the hospitality. There can be occasional problems, of course, but we’re happy to report that these are quickly and easily resolved, and there have been very few difficulties.

We’re glad to be able to offer our premises for this, and we’ve been impressed by the efficiency of the whole organisation. Recently we’ve received a letter from WLCHC which points out that the whole Project needs to raise £140,000 to cover the costs for the next (2008/9) winter season. So we thought we would let BiC readers know about this, in case you or your church can help towards this formidable target. If you can, then you can send any donation as a cheque payable to WLCHC to their office address, which is:

155A King’s Road,
London SW3 5TX.

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